Tim Matheson

Tim Matheson is an American actor, director, and producer with a career spanning over six decades in film and television. He first gained widespread recognition as the smooth-talking Eric "Otter" Stratton in the classic comedy film National Lampoon's Animal House. His versatile career includes notable roles in series such as The Virginian, Bonanza, and The West Wing, as well as a prolific voice acting role as the titular character in Jonny Quest. Matheson has also directed numerous episodes for popular television shows and several television films.

Early life and education

Timothy Lewis Matthieson was born on December 31, 1947, in Glendale, California. He began his professional acting career as a child, appearing in commercials and landing his first major role on the television series Window on Main Street in 1961. He attended Hollywood Professional School to accommodate his early work schedule. Matheson later studied at California State University, Northridge, though his burgeoning acting career soon took precedence.

Career

Matheson's early career was marked by numerous guest appearances on popular Western and drama series, including The Virginian, Bonanza, and My Three Sons. He provided the voice for the adventurous Jonny Quest on the Hanna-Barbera animated series. His breakout film role came in 1978 as Eric "Otter" Stratton in the landmark comedy National Lampoon's Animal House, directed by John Landis. Throughout the 1980s, he starred in films such as 1941, Fletch opposite Chevy Chase, and The House of God. On television, he earned critical acclaim for his role as Vice President John Hoynes on the acclaimed political drama The West Wing, a part he played across multiple seasons. Matheson has also had a significant career behind the camera, directing episodes for series like Hart to Hart, Simon & Simon, and Burn Notice, as well as television movies including The Legend of the Lone Ranger and Blackbeard.

Personal life

Matheson has been married three times. His first marriage was to actress Jennifer Leak from 1971 until their divorce in 1977. He married actress Megan Murphy in 1985; they had three children together before divorcing in 2010. In 2022, he married Elizabeth Marighetto. An avid pilot, Matheson holds a commercial pilot's license and has flown various aircraft. He has also been involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting organizations related to children's health and aviation.

Filmography

A selected list of his extensive work includes the film Magnum Force (1973), the television film The Last Day (1975), the miniseries Space (1985), the comedy A Very Brady Sequel (1996), and the series Covert Affairs. His voice work extends beyond Jonny Quest to include roles in animated series like Batman: The Animated Series and Superman: The Animated Series. More recent television appearances include roles on The Good Wife, This Is Us, and Virgin River.

Awards and nominations

For his performance on The West Wing, Matheson received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2002. He was also nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Actor for his role in the television film The Twilight Zone episode "The Once and Future King". His directorial work on the television film The Legend of the Lone Ranger was recognized within the industry, contributing to his reputation as a versatile filmmaker.

Category:American male film actors Category:American television directors Category:American voice actors Category:1947 births Category:Living people